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Friday, 29 March 2013

Hi guys,
Officially this post is coming a couple of days early, but as we're going away to my parents for Easter weekend, I thought I would share what we've been up to this March, according to my iPhone:
Yet again, most have my shopping has been for the new house this month - our current house is full of wallpaper samples- and if all goes well, we should move in on 30th April! But I have had a few things for myself too: I just can't resist a bargain! Our local La Senza has become a outlet store with 5 pairs of knickers for £5. There's nothing nicer than slipping your feet into new Converse (c/o Sarenza). And of course, the jumper I mentioned earlier in the week from the River Island sale.

I am becoming slightly obsessed with baking! My sister and nephew came to visit for the weekend earlier in the month and I made banana bread, cupcakes and a cherry bakewell tart for the occasion! And yesterday I tried my hand at Cadburys Creme Egg brownies. You can get the recipe from the crème egg Facebook page, and they're delicious! I've also been working on sewing again: these character cushions are presents for my nieces.

Wilbur is officially getting more and more adorable by the day! He's starting to try to roll over, reach for his favourite toys, and shove absolutely everything in his month. He's also my favourite little dress up doll: Watching him smile at me as I choose his tiny outfits every morning is one of the highlights of my day. And this month saw my first Mother's Day too - if the gift bag says I'm the most brilliant Mum in the whole wide world then it must be true!

What have you been up to this month? Anything exciting going on for you right now? I'd love to hear all about it!

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Hi guys,
The River Island sale started yesterday, so of course I immediately popped (read: ran!) down to my local store to check it out. I tried on seven dresses but eventually left with a classic Breton striped jumper (£12) and a huge black leather bucket bag (£40): Both timeless investment pieces, rather than the frivolous sale purchases I usually impulse buy and never wear!

However there was much more on their website than I found in my local store: there weren't any of the goodies I had been lusting after in the Norwich branch! So rather than show you pictures of everything I bought like I usually do (because a picture of a bag and a jumper isn't much of a post!) I thought I would create my picks of the best stock left online. There are some amazing bargains to be had if you're quick, much of it from the River Island new S/S13 lines:
Lime tweed oversized biker jacket: was £70 now £30 Cat moustache T shirt: was £18 now £7Black Aztec print skater skirt: was £20 now £10Blue tribal waterfall cardigan: was £48 now £25Navy and cream knit jumper: was £22 now £12Space invaders jumper dress: was £45 now £15Tres over it jumper: was £38 now £15Brown leopard print dress: was £35 now £15Red ditzy print blazer: was £45 now £20

The stripey jumper is the jumper I picked up! It looks great on and has a really great fit, so it comes heartily recommended. I also really love the lime green biker jacket, and can't resist the moustached cat T shirt: I'm half glad they didn't have it in my local branch though. That's exactly the kind of thing I would impulse buy without thinking and then never wear because, let's face it, I'm way too old for cat clothes!

Have you checked out the River Island sale yet? Had any bargains? I'd love to hear all about them!

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Hi guys,
Have you booked your summer holiday yet? Are you going anywhere nice? Well, if you've got plans to spend any time on a beach with sand between your toes this summer then you have got to get down to Primark this week: all of their high summer swimwear and beachwear landed in store on 25th March (yesterday) and there are some pieces that I just can't wait to get my hands on.

I know March seems a bit early to be buying that new bikini (you probably haven't even started your bikini diet yet) but, much like buying the best winter coat, you have to plan early to get a good bikini, before all the best ones are sold out. And some of these bits just aren't worth missing out on: Tassle cut out swimsuit, £13. Pink stripe bikini: top £4, bottom £3. Crochet pompom Kaftan, £8. Lilac frilly bikini: top £6, bottom, £4.Block print hi-low swim skirt, £5. Aztec cut out swimsuit, £8.

If you're fuller busted like myself, then I wouldn't recommend buying a Primark bikini. Whilst they look amazing on the hanger, they just don't provide adequate support for the bigger busted gal. (I'll be sharing some of my favourite proper cupped bikinis next week!) For everyone else though, I really like Primark's swimwear; it's well cut and the designs are very fashion-forward. I will be shopping at Primark for my beach cover ups though: and that pompom detail Kaftan is at the very top of the list!

Have you tried swimwear from Primark, and what did you think? If you don't wear Primark swimwear, where do you get your bikinis from? Do you have any recommendations to share?

Sunday, 24 March 2013

Hi guys,
Monochrome is everywhere at the minute. It's a key trend for this Spring/Summer, and the perfect one to try when the weather is as cold as it is today too. Never one to miss out on a trend, my outfit today is all about monochrome. I wore this to brunch with Mike and Wilbur this morning (I threw my big leopard print coat over the top to keep me warm) and was very excited to be wearing a dress and not a blouse and jeans for a change! Dress: Warehouse c/o Zalando. Boots: Topshop. Bag: From a market in Turkey. Bracelets: Accessorize/Topshop.

I love this Warehouse dress, which has a super-soft jersey lining and is made from a lovely chiffon, and which I got from Zalando. I really like big shopping sites like Zalando, and Sarenza (for shoes). They're great for comparing lots of big brands at the same time, all in one place with no fuss.

Unfortunately this outfit didn't get much wear, because it was so cold and miserable outside that as soon as we'd had our brunch we scurried straight back home to snuggle under a blanket and watch films: definitely a pyjama affair!

What have you done with your weekend? Have you done any shopping (if so, do tell!) or just been hibernating away from the weather, like me?

Thursday, 21 March 2013

Hi guys,
I have one fashion quirk that I'm pretty sure all the 'cool kids' like to secretly laugh at, but I just don't care. I like my shoes and handbags to match. All the time! That's why I have so many pairs of tan shoes: because my favourite handbag is tan. And you can guarantee that if I find a pair of heels I love them I will be out on the high street hunting down a clutch bag to match it. When it comes to accessories, I am definitely a matchy-matchy girl.

So how excited was I when, whilst shopping on Sarenza for both a new handbag and a new pair of summer pumps, I shortlisted both of these items only to later realise that they matched almost perfectly: it must be fate!
The shoes are from Georgia Rose (£31) and the handbag is from Poisson Bleu (£97.90). I also have a great pair of beige suede sandals that are going to look great with this bag when the weather warms up a little bit! I thought the bag was a brave choice, because I usually opt for tan or black when it comes to leather accessories: but the warm chartreuse stripe on this one is going to be perfect for injecting a little bit of colour into my summer wardrobe. I love it!

Do you like to match your shoes to your handbag? Or do you prefer the unmatched look?

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Hi guys,
You all know how much I love shopping at Bicester Village. I make sure to have a visit every season, and we've even booked a hotel close to Bicester Village for our wedding anniversary so we can go shopping the next day: yup, talk about obsessed! So I'm always interested to check out their latest offers and deals:

To celebrate the launch of spring at Bicester Village there will be exclusive promotions, accessory prize draws and events throughout March and April. Visitors also have the chance to win a VIP shopping experience with top stylist, Cheryl Konteh, plus £1,000 to spend on a new wardrobe. All you have to do is pick up and fill in an entry card in one of the stores at Bicester.

I'm already looking forward to my Spring visit! Have you been to Bicester Village lately? Have you had any bargains? I'd love to hear all about them!

Hi guys,
Everyone has a daily uniform, whether you're given a prescribed work uniform or not. Your uniform is your go- to outfit for speed, comfort, style. You could be a jeans girl or a leggings girl. Always wear black, or only wear bright colours. Most people wear a variation of that same outfit everyday. I know I do!Jeans, Miss Selfridges. Blouse, River Island. Boots, Georgia Rose c/o Sarenza. Baby bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Bracelets, See by Chloe.

It used to be that my go to uniform for work everyday was a black dress or black tunic and a funky jacket. I love a jacket! But since I've been staying at home with Wilbur my lifestyle has changed and my uniform has too!
For going to baby groups, coffee mornings, walks in the park, my new uniform is this. Jeans, comfy boots, baby changing bag, and a pretty blouse.
I'm looking forward to the day when my uniform goes back to being pretty dresses and heels (I really miss heels!) but for now I am embracing the jeans and blouse look. And I like it!

Am I right? Do you wear the same type of uniform outfit everyday? And if so, what's yours?

Tuesday, 19 March 2013

Hi guys,
If you buy designer sunglasses only to sit on them, break the arms, or lose them as often as I do, then this is the Primark edit for you! Because right now Primark has a great range of sunglasses in store (with prices starting from just £1) that look considerably more expensive than they are, and some are so close to designer copies, that no one would suspect you weren't wearing the real thing!

They also have a great range of summer shoes and sandals: think wedges, heels, imitation converse in an array of candy colours, and stiletto heels so sharp you could have someone's eye out.

I'm prepared to admit that when it comes to accessories, I'm a bit of a snob: I love the smell and feel of real leather bags and shoes, and nowadays I won't wear anything that's imitation. But for summer bags and beach bags made of light weight canvas and cotton the standard is the same no matter where you buy it from: and for these accessories,I think Primark is perfect: Orange and purple round sunglasses, £,1Pearl encrusted beaded headband, £4.Polka dot mini bag, £3. Aztec beach bag, £6 . Monochrome wedge heels, £16. Animal print cats eye sunglasses, £2
My picks from this bunch of bargains are the Aztec beach bag, which is perfect for a summer holiday and will go with whatever bikini colour I pick. And the orange and purple sunglasses: can you believe they're just £1?! I love the two-tone effect, and they'll look great as a focal point teamed with a simple cream sundress and an acid orange lipstick.
Are you a Primark shopper? And do you like these posts showing you what you might find in store, or do they take away the thrill of the chase for you? I'd love to know what you think!

Friday, 15 March 2013

Hi guys,
I think it's fair to say that I am a TK Maxx addict: It's the home of finding amazing designer bargains for me, and the source of the best designer pieces in my wardrobe. It's mantra is the store with a mantra closest to mine: the best quality at the most affordable prices!

There are certain items (luggage, designer sunglasses) where, when they need replacing, I won't look anywhere else: I know I won't get better than I will find in TKMaxx!
When I saw the new Spring/Summer campaign images from TKMaxx therefore, I got a little bit excited. Not only are there several pieces I already know I want to add to my wardrobe, I also just love the fresh, young, happy styling of every single photo. And the vintage overtones are everything I love. It's like looking at pictures of Spring!

My current obsession with interiors (not long now until the big move!) means I'm also slightly obsessed with all that vintage wallpaper. If only they sold that in store too, I'd never need to shop anywhere else!
The pieces on my immediate hit list are the royal blue and grey silk patterned pussy bow blouse, the mustard weave handbag, the zebra print ponyskin courts ......and the blonde model's gorgeous hair colour please!

I have to limit myself to monthly visits to TKMaxx because I know I will always find something I want instore, and if I went in more often, I would probably bankrupt myself! Do you shop in TKMaxx? And what is the best TKMaxx bargain you've ever had?

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Hi guys,
I am having something of a boho moment for this Spring/Summer. My last three purchases have been lace embellished florally embroidered cream chiffon blouses - one from River Island, one from Zara, and one from George at Asda.
So when I saw this model shot from Phase Eight's Spring/Summer campaign, I fell in love. And I just knewI would have to find that skirt and make it mine! I love the bold floral print, and the way it juxtaposes with the layers of light chiffon fabric.

Luckily for me (and for my guilty pleasure Rachel Zoe, who championed it the first time round. And her most famous prodigy Nicole Richie too, come to mention it) the boho look is back this Spring Summer. Light coloured floaty chiffon blouses and dresses, oversized sunglasses and bags and vintage influences are all Red Hot. So this skirt really would be a great investment: and is a perfect object of lust!

Have you seen anything this week that you know you just have to have? Any immediately lust-worthy purchases? I'd love to hear all about them!

Hi guys,
You guys know how much I love fashion. You also know I love interiors and home décor. And I obviously can't get enough of Social Media. But did you know I'm also slightly in love with food? I'm something of a snack addict. I love crisps, chocolates and cake. And I think it's fair to say I love Pringles: once you pop, you really can't stop!
So I'm going to take a step away from writing about fashion in today's post and sidestep to something else instead. Combining my duel interests in social media and crisps is Pringle's new ad campaign. I am predicting that the new Pringles Fan V Flavour video campaign is going to go viral (Yup. Watch this space, dancing Shetland pony!) - mostly because it made me laugh! Check out the first of the four new videos:
The basic premis of this first video is that the ultimate Pringles fan has to eat three onions in one minute. Which is more onions than even I could eat (and Mike often tells me onion and garlic are my only taste buds!) Can the fan beat the challenge? Watch the video to make your choice of who will win (Fan or Flavour) and then see for yourself!

No real food produce was wasted in the making of these videos. Socially responsible as well as amusing: go Pringles! For more information you can visit the Pringles website, join them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Hi guys,
As you guys know (because I bang on about it all the time) my current fashion focus is on building up my collection of good quality wardrobe classics. Staple pieces that will go with everything, and that I can wear again and again.

With that in mind, you can understand why I was so excited to read about the new 'Perfectly' collection by Marks and Spencer. The range consists of flattering understated key pieces, anchored around a neutral colour palette in quality fabrics, making the collection both easy to wear, stylish yet affordable. I've only seen pics of a few of the pieces, and there are already to things I'm chomping at the bit to get my hands on when the collection launches tomorrow:
The thing that I love most about the range is the attention to the little details. The crisp white shirt for example, has covered buttons, helping it to reduce gape and give a smooth silhouette. The simple black dress comes with a skinny riveted belt to draw in the waist, and tiny shoulder studs.

Because these pieces are such classics, it also means they're ageless, and will look good on everyone. A hip young teen, my very stylish mum, and even a saggy tummied new mama like me will all look stylish and put together with just a couple of pieces from this collection in their capsule wardrobe. I will definitely be heading instore to check out the collection when it lands instore on 21st March. And that leather jacket with the fabric sleeves will be mine!

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Hi guys,
I went into Primark last week, and it was genuinely the best Primark visit I have had for a long time. There were tops, frocks, even shoes and sunglasses that jumped off the shelves at me and that I immediately wanted to buy. I didn't: I'm still trying to avoid Primark and focus on buying quality items. But I officially think that Primark have got their trends and key pieces for this Spring/Summer 100% right, when bearing in mind their low product price points.

The key must-have products from this selection, for me, are the scalloped striped top and the Navajo detailed denim jacket. Both pieces are seriously on-trend and versatile. Picture the striped top with either a midi skirt and heels. Or a varsity jacket and jeans. And the Navajo denim jacket was made to give a casual touch to pretty summer dresses. I also have a soft spot for the tassled blouse. it would be so flattering on a mum tum, and easy to throw on with jeans and pretty flat sandals or ballet pumps.

Have you had any Primark bargains lately? And have you been in store to check out their new Spring/Summer stock? If you have, I'd love to know what pieces you've picked up. Go on, make me jealous!!

Monday, 11 March 2013

Hi guys,
Want to instigate a small episode of marital disharmony? Then I have the perfect recipe! Try wrestling your husband into a pair of bright blue trousers, insist he sits still while you fiddle with his hair, then spend half an hour taking his photo whilst he stands awkwardly, complaining he doesn't know what to do with his hands!

Yes, that's how mike and I spent our morning in the name of the GANT coloured chino challenge ( try saying it fast three times!) but it was totally worth it because by the end of my mini styling session we both agreed that the vibrant blue chinos looked great on him, they made a welcome change from his usual jeans, and he's even planning on wearing a couple of the outfits again!

I am going to call that a massive chino success story!
Here's how we styled one pair of chinos three ways:
Outfit 1-
This is the chinos styled in a way that is closest to Mike's comfort zone: He loves this River Island coat and underneath he is wearing his favourite weekend uniform of a grey T shirt and black jumper. For full coordination, we added his black Ted Baker shoes.
Outfit 2-
I would say this is the most casual and the most 'trendy' styling option we tried: I've seen students in the city centre wearing very similar outfits on a Saturday afternoon. The jumper is from Primark and the shoes are Converse.
Outfit 3-
Finally this is the outfit I liked most. Ben Sherman shirt, Clarks shoes and satchel from Debenhams. All items I've bought for Mike as presents, which probably explains my slight bias towards them; but in this look especially, I think he looks great! He also has the best accessory with this outfit - a mini-me in matching trousers. Because coloured chinos work for everyone!

What do you think? Do you like the idea of a chap in coloured trousers and would your man be brave enough to give it a go?

Sunday, 10 March 2013

Hi guys,
Well, if you're in the UK today is Mother's Day: my first as a mummy! We were planning to spend the day by the beach in Cromer and eat fish and chips. Then it started snowing: plan scuppered. I can't believe it's snowing, when you consider that it was only Tuesday that the weather was so warm I left the house without my coat (Yes, I do have that British preoccupation with talking about the weather)

So instead we had lunch at home (steak and dauphinoise potatoes: yummy!) and then spend the afternoon trawling the local antique shops looking for treasure. Here's what I wore for the occasion: Leopard Print coat, Next. Striped blouse, Primark. Jeans, Miss Selfridges. Boots, Topshop. Bag, Pucci via TK Maxx.

It's not very often I wear my hair up: I tend to use it as a safety blanket! And it's even less often I leave the house without make up, like I did today. But a clean face and simple pony tail are perfect for lazy Sundays. As is this outfit; jeans and blouses tend to be my uniform at the moment: so easy to throw on with minimal effort required, but they still look stylish and well put together.

Do you have a go-to weekend outfit or style that you wear over and over again? And what is it?

Oh and as a PS - Happy Mother's day to my lovely wonderful mum, who I know will be reading this!

Friday, 8 March 2013

Hi guys,
Last week in my post about why we should all be wearing neon, I mentioned that I had ordered a pair of neon sandals from Sarenza to bring a little neon into my summer wardrobe. Well, they've finally arrived, and I like them so much that I can't wait for Spring to arrive so that I can get my toes out and put these babies on!
These are from a brand I'd actually never heard of before called Sole Society. They have a great selection of summer sandals, particularly neon ones so look out for them if you want to shop the trend. They're called the Sammy sandal, and would set you back just £63.
I know they're bright (like, you have to wear sunglasses to look at them bright) but I really like them. And whilst I definitely wouldn't recommend putting them on with a neon pink dress and neon green jewellery (because this isn't the Eighties!) with jeans and a crisp white shirt they would look on trend but still sophisticated and age-appropriate.

I think if you want to dip your toe into the water of any new trend but are feeling unsure about it, trying it on your feet is the best way to go! Your feet won't make you look fat no matter what you put them in and neon shoes won't draw the attention on the street that a neon frock would! So if you're colour shy (like me) or set in your ways and don't want to verve too far from styles and shades you know suit you, get adventurous with your shoes instead!

When I slipped then on to take these photos they were so comfy, and it was so nice to feel the air around my feet, that I didn't want to take them off! I suspect that you'll be seeing these in a lot of outfit posts this summer!

Have you bought any Spring/Summer clothes yet? I've already started planning some Spring outfits and had all my favourite blazers dry cleaned: I can't wait!

Thursday, 7 March 2013

Hi guys,
How incredible is this case for my iPad, covered in lovely Fabfrocks branding? (Designed by the talented Carly Watts) It's from Caseable, a company that makes custom cases for smartphones, laptops, tablets and e-readers.
You can either upload your own artwork (which is what I did) or choose from the Caseable gallery of images from a great selection of independent artists. You can also choose the colour of the inside and outside of your case, and personalise it even more with text; I added my blog name to the front and blog URL on the back.
I like it so much that I plan on ordering one for my iPhone with a picture of Wilbur on it. Because cliché or not, that's just what mums do! If you have a tech-savvy mum, these would make a great Mothers Day present (Yes it's coming soon, so don't forget to buy a card!) and I'm planning on having one made for my Dads kindle for his birthday: I really am obsessed with them.

For the eco-warriors amongst you, happily the team at Caseable are committed to recycling: they only use recycled polyester in their products, such as their e-Reader and tablet cases, meaning your case is not only unique to you but it also helps conserve resources and save our environment.

They're pretty affordable too: A phone case comes in at £24.90. A tablet case costs £49.90. If you want one of your very own then shop here.

And for the next two weeks they're even cheaper! Simply enter the exclusive Fabfrocks voucher code fabfrocks10at checkout, and you will receive a whopping £10 off your order!!The code is valid until midnight on 21st March.

Do you have cases for all of your gadgets? Are you tempted to design your own? I'd love to know what you would put on your case and what your design would look like!

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Hi guys,
I'll admit it: I quite often ignore press releases. I get sent so many (too many of them addressed 'Dear Blogger' rather than even knowing my name) that it would be impossible to read them all. But every so often one catches my eye: even less often, I like one so much that I share it with you guys almost verbatim. This is one of those days!

Eccentric European T shirt brand Mr Gugu and Miss Go (you've gotta love that name!) are putting statement back into simple separates. Launching now on Truffle Shuffle is a range of galaxy, psychedelic, and candy inspired printed jersey tees, jumpers and leggings.
Is this my usual style? Hell no! Is there a huge part of me that wants a jumper entirely covered in gummy bears? Hell yes! The greedy girl in me is irrationally excited by the thought of all of this clothing covered in food. I also love the crazy cat jumper, even though I know deep down that its' too hipster for words. I guess sometimes you have to just surrender to your inner hipster!!

Monday, 4 March 2013

Hi guys,
If you've been waiting to get your hands on the Rihanna for River Island collection then its time to set your alarm clock: the collection launches online at 1am tomorrow morning. It's been a while since there has been such a fuss about a high street collaborative collection: you know something's going to be big when Rihanna turning up late for the launch makes the national news!
The collection is very much Rihanna's style, and perfect for the average River Island shopper. The styling and the catwalk show was a little too flesh-baring for my personal prudish tastes (but it was very Rihanna) however actually there are several pieces in the collection that I like and that I would wear: I'd just team them with more clothes! The vibrant yellow is perfect for summer and the floral pattern is modern and very wearable.
As a general rule, I worry when a non-designer celebrity puts their name to a collection. I'm always interested to know exactly how much involvement the celebrity has in designing the collection: do they pick the fabrics, draw the designs? Think about how the designs will suit the average customer in the store?

I know some celebs have more involvement than others, but I just struggle picturing Rihanna slaving over a drawing board somehow....
So is the collection a credit to the design team that created it? Well it's nice, this kind of urban styling is very on-trend at the moment. But it's not exactly innovative. And there's certainly nothing that will invoke me to set my alarm to go shopping in the middle of the night: I just don't like any of it enough, although I will say I don't dislike it either!

Have you been waiting for the Rihanna for River Island collection? Will you be awake and clicking frantically to get the collection at 1am, or are you letting this one pass you by?

Friday, 1 March 2013

Hi guys,
It's been a while since I've done a make-up review. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that motherhood means I don't have much time for a make up routine, and frankly, close ups of my face just aren't a good idea! But when I tried the Cosmetics A La Carte stay-put eyeliner, I liked it so much I knew I would have to share it with you by writing a little review.
Firstly the most important thing to say is that it does exactly what it says: it stays put! Unlike a kohl liner which tends to smudge or a liquid liner which tends to flake, this one looks as good in the evening as it does when you put it on in the morning. And it doesn't move!

Secondly, it's really easy to apply. Anyone could do it: steady hand or not!! The no-fuss, mistake-proof application lies with the easy-to-control tip applicator which paints on evenly in one steady stroke. It's kind of like using a felt tip pen, but on your eyes.
The eyeliner is a little pricey at £25. But because it stays on all day (meaning you wont have to reapply at 5pm) I think a little bit will go a long way, making the price well worth it. You can buy the eyeliner here.

Whilst I'm on the subject, here are some other make-up observations and recommendations from the past months:
- Essie's black nail varnish (shade name: liquorice) is a God send, and my new favourite. It's opaque and glossy with just one coat, it dries really quickly, and it doesn't have a really overpowering smell, all meaning I can use it around the baby and get my nails painted and dry in minutes!
- I've had my last three brow waxes at the Benefit brow bar, and I couldn't recommend it enough: a fast efficient service I can have mid-shopping trip. My eyebrow shape is better than it's been for a long time, and I think it's made my face look younger (fingers crossed!)
- I know everyone probably already knows this, but Bert's Bees lip balm is just delicious. Soft and melty and perfect for sore lips. I wear the tinted version when I don't have time to put my make up on, and it makes me look and feel a little more put-together.

Do you have any make-up tips or new products you'd like to share? And have you tried the Cosmetics A La Carte eyeliner? If so, I'd really love to hear what you thought of it, and if you liked it as much as me.

Love Tor x

* I received an eyeliner from Cosmetics A La Carte for the purpose of this review